Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has said the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin upheld the tradition of Ibadan during his short reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This was as he said he was surprised by the news of the death of the foremost Ibadan traditional ruler.
Olugbon stated this in a statement he personally signed to condole Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the family of the Olubadan, Olubadan-in-Council and indigenes of Ibadan on the transition of the traditional paramount ruler.
“I received the news that Kabiyesi joined his ancestors with surprise on Monday.
“On behalf of the good people of Orile-Igbon and my family, I condole with members of the Olubadan-In-Council and all Ibadan indigenes on the transition of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
“I also condole with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, on Kabiyesi’s demise,” he stated.
Olugbon noted that the late Oba Olakulehin was a man of peace who ruled with compassion and promoted harmonious co-existence among both indigenes and settlers in Ibadan.
“In his short but eventful reign, Oba Olakulehin upheld the tradition of the city, ruled with compassion, and promoted harmonious co-existence among indigenes and settlers.
“The late Olubadan of Ibadanland was a man of peace and maintained the honour and dignity of the palace.
“His special project, tagged ‘Toilets in Agbole’ which aimed at building toilets in traditional family compounds was a lofty move at ending open defecation in Ibadan.
“His contributions to the development of Ibadan will occupy a good place in the history of the city,” Oba Alao added.
